It depends on your insurance plan. You never need a doctor’s referral to book with a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) in Ontario, but some extended health plans will only reimburse massage if you have a doctor’s note on file.
The note is an insurer’s rule, not a legal one, so the only way to know is to check your own plan.
How to check your plan
- Look for “massage therapy” or “paramedical services” in your benefits booklet or insurer’s app
- Ask whether a physician’s or nurse practitioner’s referral is required
- Ask how long a referral stays valid, since many plans want a new one every 12 months
- Ask for your yearly maximum and the percentage covered per visit
- Confirm the therapist must be a Registered Massage Therapist, which ours are
Plans we can tell you about
- Public Service Health Care Plan. The PSHCP does not require a prescription for massage therapy. See does the PSHCP cover physiotherapy, chiropractic and massage?
- RCMP, Canadian Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Canada. These plans have their own approval rules. See do you direct bill insurance companies?
If your plan needs a note
Ask your family doctor or nurse practitioner for a referral for massage therapy before your first visit, and keep a copy. Submit it to your insurer with your first claim. You can still come in before you have it, but your insurer may not pay for visits dated before the note.
Is massage covered by OHIP?
No. OHIP does not cover massage therapy, with or without a doctor’s note. People pay through extended health benefits or out of pocket.
Your receipt
After each visit you get a receipt from your RMT to submit to your insurer. For general coverage questions, read does my insurance cover physiotherapy, chiropractic and massage? Fees are on our Pricing page, and the service is described on the registered massage therapy page.
Checked your plan and ready to book?